Austin galleries need a shipping partner who understands the rhythm of exhibition schedules, the condition reporting standards that protect consigned work, and the logistics of getting multiple works to a venue on time — and back safely afterward.
Gallery exhibit shipping is distinct from standard art shipping in its complexity and risk profile. A collector shipping one painting to a buyer has a single, simple transaction. A gallery sending 25 works to an art fair has 25 different condition baselines, 25 insurance certificates, artists who want their own documentation, a fair organizer with its own receiving requirements, and a 3-day window to get everything there, installed, and insured before the opening.
We provide galleries with a consistent logistics partner who knows their standards, maintains condition records for their regular artists, and handles the documentation burden that falls on gallery staff when a shipment goes wrong and someone needs to make a claim.
For galleries with ongoing exhibition programs, we offer account-based pricing that recognizes the volume and predictability of regular work. Contact us to discuss a gallery shipping arrangement.
From a single walk-in show shipment to ongoing logistics for your full exhibition program.
Crating and freight for outgoing shows — collector loans, gallery inventory, and artist-consigned works. We work to your opening date, not to a standard transit estimate.
Booth crating and shipping for Austin-area fairs and national art fairs (Expo Chicago, Dallas Art Fair, The Armory Show). We handle the crating; you handle the booth. Advance warehouse delivery coordinated with fair organizers.
Standardized condition reports at intake and delivery for every work in your show shipment. Documents pre-existing condition, protects you in consignor disputes, and meets insurance requirements.
Exhibition close logistics — works returned to gallery, to consignors, or to next venue. The same condition records from the outgoing shipment are used to confirm return condition.
We pick up from artists' studios in and around Austin and deliver directly to your gallery. We handle the pieces with the same white-glove standard as a $50,000 work from a major collector.
Works going into long-term storage benefit from a proper storage crate, not just a padded blanket. We build storage crates that protect works indefinitely without off-gassing or creating pressure points.
Austin's art gallery ecosystem spans contemporary spaces on East 6th Street, established galleries along South Congress, museum-affiliated venues near UT, and a growing constellation of artist-run spaces. The city hosts Austin Art Week, SXSW gallery activations, and significant participation in the Texas regional art fair circuit.
Having a local crating company rather than a national freight broker means faster turnaround, the ability to inspect unusual pieces before committing to a crating approach, and the flexibility to accommodate last-minute additions to a show shipment. We are in Austin — when something changes, we can respond the same day.
Often yes, but call us as soon as you know. Same-day crating for add-on pieces is possible when our shop schedule allows. We recommend contacting us 5–7 business days before pickup to allow time for custom crating, especially for works requiring non-standard crate sizes.
Yes. Our condition reports document the state of each work at the time of pickup with photographs and written notes. We can share these with consignors for their records. This is standard practice for gallery shipments and protects both the gallery and the consignor.
Yes. Full gallery relocations are within our scope — artwork inventory, display hardware, storage racks, and framing materials. We treat every piece in active inventory with the same care as a consigned work. Get in touch for a walk-through quote.
Yes. Galleries with regular shipping needs benefit from an established account relationship — consistent crating standards, familiar condition reporting, and volume pricing. Contact us to discuss an ongoing arrangement.
For a show requiring 5–15 works crated and freighted, we typically need 5–10 business days from intake to delivery. Complex installations or large shows need more lead time. Art fair shipments should be planned 3–4 weeks in advance to accommodate fair organizer receiving windows.
Austin Crate & Freight serves the entire Austin metro — custom crating, white-glove pickup, and specialty freight for items that standard carriers cannot handle.
White-glove furniture shipping and custom crating across Austin and all of Texas. Sofas, dining sets, bedroom furniture, antiques, and pieces too large or fragile for standard carriers.
Whether it is one show or a full season of exhibitions, we are the Austin crating company that knows how galleries work.